The Accessible Information Standard aims to ensure that patients who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss have access to information they can understand and the communication support they may need. The Standard applies to service providers across the NHS and adult social care system. As organisations that provide NHS services, GP practices are required by law to follow the Standard under Section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act2.

There are five key requirements of the Standard and as a group of practices  we will;

1. We will ask patients and carers if they have any information or communication needs, and find out how to meet their needs;

2. Record those needs in a set way;

3. Highlight the patient’s file, so it is clear that they have information or communication needs, and clearly explain how those needs should be met;

4. Share information about a person’s needs with other NHS and adult social care providers, when they have consent or permission to do so;

5. Make sure that people get information in an accessible way and communication support if they need it wherever we possibly can do.

If you have any suggestions to help us we would be very happy to hear from you and happy for any patients to work with us to develop and test our information delivery and effectiveness; this would be very much appreciated.

Information leaflets for patients including easy read can be downloaded.

The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a new NHS England information standard which must be implemented by all organisations that provide NHS or adult social care.

The AIS aims to ensure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensor loss receive information that they can access and understand, for example in large print, braille, professional communication support if they need it such as British Sign Language interpreter.

We want to get better at communicating with our patients. We want to make sure you can read and understand the information we send you. If you find it hard to read our letters or if you need someone to support you at appointments, please let us know:

• If you need information in braille, large print or easy read.
• If you need a British Sign Language interpreter or advocate.
• If we can support you to lipread or use a hearing aid or communication tool.

Please tell the receptionist when you arrive for your next appointment.

This information will be recorded on your medical record in a standardised way and highlighted to ensure we have information on your communication needs.

This information may be shared with other NHS and adult social care providers if required.